James McAvoy wins Best Actor at BIFAs

James McAvoy was named Best Actor at the British Independent Film Awards tonight (08.12.13).

The 34-year-old star was awarded for his portrayal of Bruce Robertson in the British crime comedy-drama, 'Filth,' based on Irvine Welsh's novel of the same name.

Accepting the accolade, the Glasgow-born star said: ''It's like Scotland's won the World Cup. And as much as I can't believe that's ever gonna happen, I truly tell you I didn't think I was gonna win tonight and I didn't think of anything to say.

''Well done to everybody who is nominated tonight and those nominated in my category, your work is astounding and I'll learn from it.''

James also told BANG Showbiz that he found the role ''easy'' as he instantly understood his character, saying: ''I found playing Bruce strangely easy in terms of finding out who he is and getting my head and heart around the character.

''It was difficult in that it took a lot of energy and stuff, it was a real workout, but it was easier than doing 'X-Men.' ''

'Metro Manila' - which tells the story of a family who flee their impoverished life in the rice fields of the northern Philippines but fall prey to hardened locals in the capital city, was awarded Best British Film, and Lindsay Duncan, 63, won Best Actress for 'Le Week-End,' a movie that sees a married couple revisit Paris to revitalise their marriage.

Julie Walters was recognised for her outstanding contribution to the UK film industry.

The 63-year-old actress, star of 'Educating Rita' and the 'Harry Potter' movies, accepted the Richard Harris Award, which was previously won by John Hurt, Daniel Day-Lewis and Helena Bonham Carter, at the ceremony at Old Billingsgate Market in central London.